From June 23rd to July 6th, 2024, Foreign Trade University welcomed and coordinated the organization of a delegation of lecturers and students from University of Wollongong (Australia) to participate in a short-term course with the theme "UOW Intensive Academic and Cultural Immersion Program in Vietnam".

This is the second year that Foreign Trade University has welcomed University of Wollongong students to exchange, study and experience culture in Vietnam.

The short-term course at Foreign Trade University for lecturers and students from University of Wollongong is part of the New Colombo Program. This is a program funded by the Australian Government to encourage Australian students to conduct part of their study program in Asian countries to enhance regional understanding and cross-border cooperation. Foreign Trade University is honored to become a partner of University of Wollongong in this program with the goal of introducing the country and people of Vietnam, introducing and promoting the image of the University with international friends as well as creating opportunities for potential cooperation in the future.

During 2 weeks, the delegation of lecturers and students of University of Wollongong led by Professor Amir Arjomandi participated in lectures on learning about the Vietnamese economy, exchange activities with students and staff of the University as well as activities to explore history, culture and people.

Within the framework of the course, the delegation participated in many experiential activities in various forms. Such as: participating in lectures delivered by lecturers of the Foreign Trade University; Exploring famous landscapes and landmarks of Vietnam (Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ha Long Bay ...). In addition, the delegation also had the opportunity to go on field trips to businesses. This experiential activity helped the lecturers and students of University of Wollongong to have a clearer picture of the methods and operations of some types of businesses in Vietnam. In particular, the delegation was honored to have the Australian Embassy in Vietnam organize a working session for students and lecturers of the delegation to visit the Embassy Headquarters and listen to the sharing of Mr. Chris Morley - Trade and Investment Counselor and Ms. Dinh Thi Viet Anh, Senior Program Manager on Program Development.

The meaningful and valuable experiences in the Short-term Course helped international students gain more understanding of the country, culture, cuisine and people of Vietnam. At the end of the program, the students shared their impressions and feelings about the Course, and expressed their gratitude to the supporting students, staff and lecturers of the Foreign Trade University for supporting and organizing this meaningful course.